Thread: How to apply a CA finish to scales

I have two sets that haven't cracked, there made of African Paudak. Those two are Hartwood.


Yep...that's the blade your scales came from, Tuzi.

These two are a couple years old also.
No cracks. Maybe just the type of wood that causes it...we'll see.

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

The biggest downside for me about CA is it makes wood feel like plastic.

Wholeheartedly agree - There for quite awhile it was REALLY popular, I had tons of requests for it, not so much now..


Another Note:

There are certain woods mostly Burls or Spalted that I will not do scales out of without using a CA finish, It really strengthens the wood..
I have so far heard of no issues with cracking but I have been using the Gorilla Glue formulas for years now and I understand they are slightly more "Flexible"

Biggest trick I can give and I think it is in the Tips and Trick thread too,, but the Acetone wipe is super important when using any finish that completely seals the wood like CA does... That type of finish, doesn't allow for the wood to breathe at all so the drier it is to start the better...

Good Luck

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Wholeheartedly agree - There for quite awhile it was REALLY popular, I had tons of requests for it, not so much now..


Another Note:

There are certain woods mostly Burls or Spalted that I will not do scales out of without using a CA finish, It really strengthens the wood..
I have so far heard of no issues with cracking but I have been using the Gorilla Glue formulas for years now and I understand they are slightly more "Flexible"

Biggest trick I can give and I think it is in the Tips and Trick thread too,, but the Acetone wipe is super important when using any finish that completely seals the wood like CA does... That type of finish, doesn't allow for the wood to breathe at all so the drier it is to start the better...

Good Luck

Thanks Glen.
I typically use denatured alcohol, instead of acetone.